Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has extended warm birthday wishes to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing him as a leader of “intellect, courage, and uncommon sagacity.
In a goodwill message shared Monday on his official X account, Atiku commended El-Rufai’s leadership qualities and resilience, even as the former governor faces mounting political and legal scrutiny.
“Happy Birthday to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,” Atiku wrote. A man of intellect, courage, and uncommon sagacity.
The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party noted that despite what he termed political persecution and distractions, El-Rufai’s service record and clarity of purpose remain evident.
“Even amid the present political persecution and needless distractions, his record of service and clarity of thought and purpose remain undeniable,” Atiku stated, wishing him strength, peace, and divine guidance in the years ahead.
Legal, Political Storm
El-Rufai has recently been at the centre of controversy following an attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, as well as invitations reportedly extended to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.
The former governor, who returned to Nigeria from Egypt last Thursday, has also made allegations against the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, demanding clarification over an alleged plan to procure thallium sulphate from Poland.
In a letter addressed to the NSA, El-Rufai described the chemical substance as highly toxic and tightly regulated, stressing the need for transparency in matters concerning national security and public health.
He requested detailed explanations regarding the intended purpose and end-use of the substance, the identity of the supplier, authorisation processes, quantity and concentration levels, storage arrangements, and regulatory coordination with agencies such as NAFDAC and the NCDC.
El-Rufai maintained that his request was made in good faith, arguing that openness would reinforce public trust in national institutions. Copies of the correspondence, he said, were forwarded to other relevant authorities.
However, the Office of the National Security Adviser has reportedly directed El-Rufai to submit evidence of the alleged procurement to the Department of State Services for investigation.
The unfolding developments continue to stir debate within Nigeria’s political space, as birthday goodwill messages intersect with intensifying scrutiny surrounding the former governor.
